SLU freshman charged with on-campus rape

ST. LOUIS (KTVI) – A 19-year-old freshman at Saint Louis University was charged over the weekend with raping a woman on campus.

According to our news partners at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the incident occurred after 1 a.m. on Saturday, May 13.

The 20-year-old victim went to SLU Hospital Saturday and said she was sexually assaulted inside her residence hall. She identified Bonk as the suspect and said he choked her, bit her, yanked hair from her scalp, and then forced her to have sex with him. She had several bruises on her legs, arms, and face as a result.

The student in question, identified as Colten Bonk, was charged with rape/attempted rape, two counts of felony domestic assault, and sodomy/attempted sodomy.

The Post-Dispatch, which had access to the charging documents, said Bonk allegedly refused to let the victim leave her room or use the bathroom during the attack.

The incident was included on SLU’s online campus crime log.

Bonk was jailed on $75,000 cash-only bond.

Saint Louis University released the following statement:

Saint Louis University seeks to foster a safe and supportive atmosphere where students, faculty and staff can flourish in an inclusive environment that is free from harassment and harm. The University takes any accusation of sexual assault very seriously.

As soon as the University received the report from the female student on Saturday, May 13, our Department of Public Safety helped her immediately contact the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. We have cooperated fully with the police department’s criminal investigation. The male student was arrested by police Saturday afternoon.

In addition to working with St. Louis police, we immediately launched our own internal investigation through our Title IX office, in accordance with University policy. The report of the crime was also posted on SLU’s online daily campus crime log. We are working with the female student to provide support services and other assistance.

Federal student privacy regulations limit what information any college or university may release about its students, including student conduct information. While we are unable to discuss the details of any specific report, under University policy, remedial and protective measures during an investigation can include an interim suspension for the accused party and a no-contact order with the reporting party.